Trolltunga, an imposing rock formation that sticks out...like a troll's tongue...from a narrow ledge 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet lake, has become a danger spot for travelers trying to take dramatic photos from the edge.
Earlier this month, Norway's official tourism board cleared its site of pictures of people posing dangerously on the rocks after an Australian student's fatal fall while making her way out onto the rock for a picture. Since then, there have been other incidents, including four Turkish tourists who had to be airlifted out after getting lost in the dark and rain.
Many of the visitors arrive without equipment or skill for the location. It's become increasingly popular through posted pictures. It's a four-hour hike to the ledge, but the visitor totals have mushroomed from 500 or so in 2009 to 40,000 last year. Many come with tents to stay overnight and see sunset and sunrise.
A local tour operator told the Guardian (UK) that increasing numbers require assistance for anything from broken bones, darkness and exhaustion. He also cited overnighters drinking and going out on the cliff in the dark. For more information from two Local.no stories, click HERE and HERE.
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